Martinique: Baignoire de Joséphine Boat Trip & Ilets Tour

Summary

Drift through fonds blancs swim at baignoire de joséphine meet iguanas

You’ll wade through warm Atlantic shallows at La Baignoire de Joséphine, sip local ti’ punch with new friends, spot wild iguanas on Ilet Chancel, and taste fresh Martinican food—all with a local guide steering you between islets and reefs. Expect laughter, salt air, and moments that linger longer than expected.

What’s the experience like?

"C’est ici — la Baignoire de Joséphine," our guide called out, grinning as the boat slowed. I’d barely finished my coffee when we left Le François port, but suddenly we were anchored in this pale turquoise patch of ocean that looked almost fake. The water was so shallow you could wade out forever, sand soft and cool underfoot. Someone handed me a ti’ punch (I probably said it wrong; our guide just laughed), and honestly, I still think about how the lime hit my nose before I even tasted it.

We drifted past mangroves and a handful of tiny islets—Lavigne, Frégate, Long… names our captain rattled off like old friends. There was a point where the wind picked up and you could smell salt and something greenish from the shore. At Ilet Thierry, little flashes of color darted under the boat—tropical fish, apparently used to boats by now. The main keyword here is day trip to Baignoire de Joséphine from Le François, but nobody on board was talking about keywords. Mostly people just pointed at things or tried to pronounce “Chancel” right.

Ilet Chancel surprised me—I didn’t expect to see iguanas just lounging around in plain sight. They barely flinched when we walked by; one kid tried to count them but gave up after seven. Lunch was simple but good: fresh fish, rice, something spicy that made my nose run (in a good way). By then the sun was higher and everyone got quieter for a bit—maybe just full or maybe because the view over the barrier reef really does make you stop talking for a minute.

On the way back toward Ilet Madame, someone started singing quietly in Creole—just for themselves, not for us—and it felt like the right soundtrack for floating home with salt on your skin and your hair sticking up weird from the wind. So yeah, if you’re thinking about a private boat tour in Martinique or want to do the Baignoire de Joséphine day trip from Le François… this is what you get: laughter, sunburn (probably), and that weird peaceful feeling when you’re not quite ready to be back on land yet.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Boat trip exploring Martinique treasures

• Depart from fishing port of François
• Explore peninsula and mangrove
• Present Ilets Lavigne, Frégate, Long, Pelée, Oscar, Thierry
• Visit White Funds of Josephine's Bath
• See tropical fish at Ilet Thierry
• Navigate along barrier reef
• Observe iguanas at Ilet Chancel
• Visit Trapeze White Backgrounds
• Ascend towards Ilet Madame
• Enjoy local lunch

Top questions

Where does the Baignoire de Joséphine boat trip start?

The tour departs from the fishing port of Le François on Martinique’s east coast.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip?

No, travelers need to make their own way to the meeting point at Le François port.

Are cruise ship passengers picked up at Fort-de-France?

No, pickup from Fort-de-France or cruise terminals is not available; guests must arrange their own transport.

What islands are visited during the boat tour?

The tour passes by several islets including Lavigne, Frégate, Long, Pelée, Oscar, Thierry, Chancel (with iguanas), and Madame.

Is lunch included in this Martinique boat tour?

Yes, a local lunch is included during the trip along with drinks and snacks.

Can children join this day trip?

The tour is suitable for all ages except children under 3 years old and pregnant women.

How long does the Baignoire de Joséphine boat trip last?

The excursion lasts about 3.5 hours per session—either morning or afternoon slots are available.

Will we see wildlife during this tour?

You may see tropical fish near Ilet Thierry and wild iguanas on Ilet Chancel during the trip.

What’s included

Your day includes a guided boat ride from Le François port through mangroves and along barrier reefs with stops at several islets like Chancel (for iguana spotting) and Josephine’s Bath for swimming; bottled water; alcoholic beverages; snacks; plus a local lunch before returning to shore—all led by an experienced local guide.